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Typically, police say, the burglaries have taken place between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., and the victims usually discover the crimes when they return home from work.

Police say witnesses have seen some teens peering into windows or standing in yards.

When the juveniles see someone inside the home, they flee without taking any property.

Burglars have been breaking windows or kicking in doors to get inside the homes, and they usually take items that can be re-sold easily – laptop computers, cell or cordless phones, video-game equipment, cash and coins, and accessories.

Police in CMPD's North Tryon Division have responded by increasing patrols in those communities during daytime hours.

But they also are stepping up surveillance of areas where they believe the stolen items are being fenced.

They also are working with school officials to identify teens who might be skipping school, and they are keeping close tabs on known repeat offenders.

Police say input from the public is a huge help in dealing with residential burglaries. If residents see something unusual in the neighborhood – especially school-age youths during a time when they should be in school – they are asked to call 911.